"No doubt Nedric will be on his way here anytime now." Eilwen addressed the group. "We need to devise a plan to avoid him at all costs."

"We are unfamiliar with this land." Daman said. "The pack is relying on you to guide us, young miss."

Eilwen sighed heavily. "I myself am not too familiar with the land. I'm afraid it will be the blind leading the blind."

Merlin, who was pushed to the back of the cluster, raised his hand.

"Merlin?" Eilwen acknowledged.

"I know the land fairly well." He said. "I could lead the pack to the south; away from Nedric's planned route."

Eilwen nodded in agreement. "That's a good idea. I'll keep watch on the rear and Merlin…"

"Why does he have to lead us?" Cameron suddenly asked.

Eilwen was caught off guard by his question. "Well, um, Merlin knows Camelot and the land surrounding it much better than I do. It would be better if he lead you."

"But how can we trust him? He was with Nedric for the longest time; you told me how much he respected him. Why put your faith in him now? How do you know that he won't lead us straight into Nedric's arms?"

"Now just hold on a second." Merlin said.

"We have to trust the young miss' judgment." Wynoa replied. "If she says that Merlin can be trusted, then he can be trusted."

"What if she's wrong? What if he lied to her? What if…?"

"Enough!" Eilwen shouted, creating a hush over the group. "Look: I know that Merlin didn't believe me at first when I told him about you, but he eventually came to his senses."

"Thanks." Merlin said under his breath.

"I know he can be trusted." Eilwen continued. "He's a good man and a good friend. I trust him with my life. He helped me when I first came here: I owe a lot to him. So, if he says that he's going to help us, he speaks the truth." She smiled at Merlin.

Merlin was shocked at what Eilwen had said. He didn't know that she felt that way about him: even when he had been so horrid to her. His stomach lurched and he felt his face get warm.

"We believe you, young miss, and hearing you speak so highly of him only confirms that." Daman said. "The pack will follow him faithfully."

Cameron let out a snort; Henery nudged his arm.

"Good." Eilwen said content with the overall approval. "Then Merlin will lead us through the land. Does that sit well with you?"

Merlin swallowed hard at his given task. "Sure, why not."

The now larger pack trudged through the wilderness: Merlin at the front. Daman and Wynoa, hand-in-hand, walked behind him; Henery at Daman's left side. Eilwen and Cameron brought up the rear. Cameron hadn't said a word since they left camp. Eilwen concluded that he was still upset about her decision to let Merlin lead; so she didn't dare speak to him.

The group walked all morning, until the sun sank lower in the sky. They decided that now was a good time to take a short break. Merlin located a pond where they could retrieve water.

Eilwen leaned down, greedily scoping handfuls of water up to her mouth. It was hotter than usual out and all the walking was quickly draining her energy.

Between her eight hundredth mouthful she noticed another reflection had appeared in the water next to her.

Cameron kneeled on Eilwen's right side; gazing at the water.

"I know what you're thinking." He said. "A swim would be rather nice, wouldn't it?"

Eilwen, a tad shocked that Cameron was talking to her again, nodded slowly in agreement. She had thought about taking a quick dip in the cool water; she was a mermyd after all. But she was on a mission: leisure time had to wait.

"I wouldn't tell anyone if you wanted to." Cameron said still gazing at the water.

"It's fine; I just needed a quick drink." Eilwen replied.

"But don't your people need water in more ways than other beings?"

Eilwen nodded again, not quite sure where this conversation was going. "That's true"

Cameron suddenly turned to face Eilwen; concern and hurt in his eyes.

"Come with us."

"I am going with you. Why do you think I'm..?"

"No." Cameron firmly corrected. "I want you to go with us: forever."

Eilwen's eyes widened. "Cameron."

"I mean it. You could travel with us; you could see so many things, Eilwen! You won't have to worry about what you are: you can be free."

Eilwen frowned. Cameron saw her facial change and grasped her hands.

"Stay with me."

Eilwen's heart ached for the poor boy. Wynoa's words echoed through her head.

"Cameron, I would love to go with you and the pack, but…"

"It's him isn't it?" Cameron growled his eyes narrowing.

"No. It's me. I want to stay at Camelot. It's like a second home to me; I feel that I need to be there."

Cameron's grip tightened on her hands. "Liar."

"I'm not lying." Eilwen replied firmly.

"You are; you just don't know it." Cameron dropped her hands. "I had hoped…never mind." He stood. "The offer still stands, Eilwen. You decide."

Eilwen sat frozen on the ground, watching Cameron walk off.

He rounded a corner, almost waling straight into Merlin who was coming in the opposite direction. Cameron passed him quietly. Merlin looked at him and then looked at Eilwen.

"What's wrong with him?"

Eilwen snapped out of her daze.

"I don't know." She replied. "But I think he knows something."

Merlin gave her a confused look. "Ok, how does that work then?"
Eilwen met his eyes; she felt something in the pit of her stomach.

"Haven't the faintest." She lied.

Was Cameron right?

Eilwen certainly hoped not.